Across the SUNY system, efforts are made every day to support a greener future for New York and the entire world. When it comes to being green, campuses continue to explore new ways to use renewable energy — 20 campuses utilize solar energy, while 12 have tapped into geothermal energy to heat and cool buildings.
While our 64 colleges and universities are hard at work to achieve the goal of 100% carbon-free electricity across the system by 2040, students are simultaneously becoming leaders in the fight against climate change. With 150 programs geared towards building a sustainable world, SUNY students are at the forefront of the green revolution.
One of the students leading the charge is Lindsay Solomon, from the University at Albany. An environmental science major, Lindsay’s passion for addressing climate change has her on the path to an impactful career that will change the world for the better.
We recently caught up with Lindsay to learn more about her studies and sustainability work around campus. Her story gives us a great perspective into the meaning of sustainability across the entire SUNY system.
What got you interested in sustainability? Why is it important to you?
I’ve always been really passionate about climate change, and I wanted to find some way on my part to reduce Green House Gases. I found that being sustainable is just one of the best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and make the Earth a healthier place.
How do you ensure other students are aware of sustainable practices?
I think the best thing you can do is to teach other people sustainable practices. Say that you know how to compost and someone else does not. By teaching someone how to compost, you allow that person to teach someone else how to do it as well. Then once everyone is composting we have less food waste!
What impact can you and your classmates have on the environment?
Everything counts!! Walking or riding a bike to class, recycling properly. If everyone does a little bit then it will have a big impact.
What career opportunities are available to you in the future as an environmental science major at UAlbany?
Since environmental science is such a broad field, I’ve been able to help out with some lake soil sediment research and I work in my campus’s Office of Sustainability. Sustainability is a growing field and I’m excited to see where it takes me!
